Ranking the 25 most important players for Louisville football in 2019

As a redshirt-senior, it’s time for Boosie Whitlow’s college career to go out on high note – and from everything we’ve heard this preseason, it sounds like Whitlow is going to be a hit in Bryan Browns defense – make that a lot of hits.

Terrible joke, but you get the point.

There have been numerous reasons as to why Whitlow will have a breakout year and excel at outside linebacker, being a key impact player for the cards on defense.

In his article from a few weeks ago, Jacob Lane gave his quick thought on Whitlow:

"‘Much like Johnson, Boosie Whitlow is a guy I am extremely high on. Whitlow has great size at 6’3, 255-pounds, and has shown flashes of athleticism, elusiveness, and a high motor in the small amount of playing time he’s gotten during stints at South Carolina and last season at Louisville. Listed as an OLB, Whitlow’s primary job this season will be to help improve what was one of the worst pass rushes in all of the country last year. In 2018, he played in just three games, registering four tackles, but in 2019 his role should increase mightily. A breakout season for Whitlow could mean big things for the Louisville defense that is lacking players with NFL talent and size.’"

If Whitlow can utilize that NFL-caliber size and have the breakout senior season many expect – he will provide much-needed help in the Card’s pass rush, making a lot of key plays in a defense that loves to highlight the outside linebacker position coached up by Cort Dennison.

There’s a good amount of depth at the linebacker position for Lousiville, so Whitlow will be pushed and could be used in pass rushing scenarios only. Whatever his role is, I predict you’ll hear Whitlow’s name quite a bit more this season.